THE INFLUENCE OF THE POSITION OF THE PATE LLAR COMPONENT ON TRACKING IN TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY

The Position Of the patellar component and patellofemoral symptoms wer e assessed in a series of 72 cemented polyethylene patellar components in total condylar arthroplasties A small (25 mm) component was used. The minimum follow up was 2 years and maximum 3 years. A lateral retin acular release was carried Out in 22 knees. Clinical results were asse ssed by questionnaire and 86% had no patellofemoral symptoms. The mean postoperative patellar height was not changed compared to the preoper ative height. Lateral placement of the patellar component was associat ed with both increased medial tilt and lateral subluxation. The compon ent should be inserted so that its centre is slightly medial to the ce ntre of the bone.